A Taste of Ireland plays at the Margaret River Heart

The evergreen popularity of Irish dance will guarantee a sold-out show when a new travelling show hits the region next weekend. A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation will showcase performances familiar to crowds keen on past theatrical productions such as Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. For a style of performance which was banned and cracked down upon for many years during Ireland’s dark past, the spirit of rebellion and joy of life will be present in the performers lined up for the show at the Margaret River Heart on July 3 as part of the production’s WA tour. A Taste of Ireland will bring all-new sets, costumes, tunes and effects to more than 90 cities and towns across Australia as part of this year’s tour, producer Brent Pace said. “I have no doubt our 2021 Australian tour will provide audiences with what they have been missing this last year,” he said. A troupe featuring more than 20 of the world’s leading Irish dancers are backed by a cadre of traditional Irish musicians, many with past experience backing up the famous troupes of years gone by. Lead dancer and co-producer Ceili Moore said she was extremely proud of the show coming to Margaret River. “We have the best local Australian talent and a few major stars from the international dance world,” Moore said. The ensemble includes Tyler Watkins, a six-time Queensland State champion who has represented Australia at the world championships five times, while Donegal-born Gerard Byrne has starred in productions of Lord of the Dance, Riverdance and Titanic Dance. US-based, Dublin-born Courtney D’Angelo comes to A Taste of Ireland fresh off other world tours, including performances in London’s West End and New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Pace said the experience of touring the show across Australia while other destinations remained in COVID-19 lockdown showed audiences were hungry for fresh and lively entertainment. “I think a lot of what we believe to be Aussie humour really came from Ireland,” he said. “There’s a lot of cultural crossover. That’s why Australian audiences relate so well to Irish craic – the fun and humour that encompasses that true Irish experience A Taste of Ireland delivers.” Pace promised revamped classics would feature, including Danny Boy and Tell Me Ma, as well as an “energetic blend of jaw-dropping a cappella tap battles, world-class dancing, melodic folk music mash-ups and craic galore”. Visit www.atasteofirelandshow.com or www.margaretriverheart.com.au to get tickets direct.